Chilliwack Fire warns of unattended candles, after townhouse blaze

The Chilliwack Fire Department is warning people not to leave their candles unattended, after one woman was displaced by a townhouse fire.

Firefighters responded to the fire in South Sumas shortly after 11 a.m. on Friday. Upon arrival, fire crews say they saw fire venting from the unit’s ground floor rear windows.

The fire was quickly extinguished, firefighter’s say, and did not spread to any other units.

The lone occupant was assessed for possible smoke inhalation and transported to Chilliwack General Hospital.

Now, significant damage has left the single female occupant of the townhouse without a place to sleep, fire crews add.

Emergency Support Services is providing support to the displaced owner.

While the cause of the fire was accidental, Chilliwack fire says it’s a good reminder to ensure all candles are in sturdy, non-combustible holders.

All combustibles should be kept away from a burning candle and smoke alarms should be tested regularly, it adds.